“Fact 1: People aren’t buying stuff”
With that straightforward headline, Schmudget really nails the root factor for Washington State’s fiscal crisis.
Washington State’s government relies on sales and property tax. Which is stupid.
I used to be fine with losing a third of my paycheck every other week. I figured I didn’t need the money, and it was going to great services that I valued, such as roads and transit, police and firefighters, Planned Parenthood, and public schools. I’ll admit, it hurt when I realized I was really, really wrong.
When I realized that all of that money went only to the Federal Government, which for the entirety of my middle-class career has funded Abstinence-Only Education, the War in Iraq, and George W.’s salary, I felt hoodwinked. I was being robbed twice a month, and the state I lived in wasn’t getting a penny. It would be like if Robin Hood stole from everybody and then put our money in a big pile and burned it.
Washington State, and all of the services that we have come to rely on, is funded only through property tax and our 9% sales tax. You know, the part you doubled for that $3 tip last night. After all, you were feeling generous.
And that’s why we’re in trouble now. In a recession, spending stops. To return to the central theme, if no one buys anything, then the government gets no money. Kind of sucks, because at the same time, if no money is spent, no one has jobs, and a lot of people are probably going to end up needing things like food stamps, unemployment, or access to services that are not coincidentally underfunded. Uh oh?
86% of the United States have an income tax. Because it makes sense. The seven states that currently do not have an income tax are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.
Income tax has multiple benefits. First off, you’re not taxing the poor for things they need, such as clothing each winter. People pay into the fund what they can afford. I think it was started like 2,000 years ago by some guy with a powerful father. Tithing or something? Surely even the most die-hard fiscal conservatives can get behind Jesus. WWJP?
Second, during times of recession, Big Brother stays in business. Guaranteed, as of today, I’m suddenly happy to be donating federally again (if only I had a job… shucks). But you prevent the double-whammy of the failing economy paired with a government that can’t afford to help. Think about it. If only the left had their own version of Tim Eyman.
P.S. Planned Parenthood gets a lot of their money through donations. Throw them a bone or two now, or else throw your unplanned grand-kids a lot of money later.
P.P.S. And if you’re craving a post about property tax… it’s coming my babies. But I’m waiting for Schmudget to give me that link….. Also, it’s motherfuckin’ inauguration day. This post was written in a hurry, and edited while slightly intoxicated. It may have errors. I love you. And our new president.